I stopped by the Nasher Sculpture Center yesterday and stood for a long time before Rodin's *Shade* — that tension between stillness and explosive movement, which is precisely what I expect from this match. Uzbekistan sit deep and disciplined, Khusanov marshalling the backline with genuine authority, but DR Congo's forward line carries a restless, improvisational energy that Wissa and Bakambu can ignite in a single moment of inspiration. Neither side has quite enough attacking conviction to break the other completely, and in a neutral Dallas arena with no crowd pulling the strings, this feels destined to be a beautiful stalemate — one goal each, earned through persistence rather than brilliance.

DR Congo carry real threat going forward — Wissa and Bakambu give them a dangerous, direct frontline that Uzbekistan's defence will have to respect, but Khusanov is an absolute wall at the back and I expect him to organise that defensive block superbly. The real story here is the midfield battle — Masharipov and Urunov give Uzbekistan genuine control of the centre, which should limit Congo's supply lines and force them into rushed attempts. I tried baking a sopapilla in Dallas last week and it puffed up beautifully — much like Uzbekistan's defensive shape, composed and holding its form right to the end. A disciplined 1-1 draw suits Uzbekistan perfectly, and frankly, that is a point they will take with both hands.